SFN Alternatives

MountainPete
MountainPete Posts: 418
edited April 2008 in MTB buying advice
I've decided that I need an alternative to the Star Fangled Nut. Done a bit of research, and my favourite 'design' is the headlock type (bolt all the way through the steerer job).

More searching and I found the Azonic Headlock http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=567 Has anyone got any experience with it, and will it fit my Rockshox Revelations?

Any other suggestions appreciated :)

Comments

  • marika
    marika Posts: 392
    hope head doctor
    My puppy Local Loop
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    Just out of interest, why do you need an alternative? :) They're reliable once they're in, getting them in is a pain in the arse though, I think if I bought a new set of forks today I'd just take em into the LBS, hehe.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Most people have problems with hope head Docs as they do not read the instructions...

    Why do you not want a SFN? it is the lightest easiest thing to use

    the Azonic lock should fit. measure the stack height to check which length you need.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    SFN all the way. Very cheap, weighs nowt, does the job perfectly.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Why not SFN? I'm looking for a tougher, more rigid alternative. Currently (even after tightening) there is still some small movement with the steerer - I have read that headlock devices can 'hold' the steerer more rigidly, removing any movement from any system.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    MountainPete wrote:
    Why not SFN? I'm looking for a tougher, more rigid alternative. Currently (even after tightening) there is still some small movement with the steerer - I have read that headlock devices can 'hold' the steerer more rigidly, removing any movement from any system.
    well in that case your headset is not set correctly.

    All a SFN or any other device is needed to do is PRELOAD the bearings.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Thats rubbish lol. The job of the stem is to do that, the SFN, hed doctor etc are there to provide a point so you can preload the bearings. You can even remove them afterwards!

    In the event of a catatstrophic failure of stem bolts, the headlock 'may' do stop the stem coming off, wont stop it flapping about! And it will not remove any slack.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Well in that case, I might not bother :) Thanks guys!
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    Yeah, if you're having any headset play just loosen up your stem bolts, tighten the SFN a bit to pull the stem down a tad, tighten up again. It doesn't want to be very tight though, just enough to get rid of the play.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • Sir HC
    Sir HC Posts: 20,148
    MountainPete wrote:
    Why not SFN? I'm looking for a tougher, more rigid alternative. Currently (even after tightening) there is still some small movement with the steerer - I have read that headlock devices can 'hold' the steerer more rigidly, removing any movement from any system.

    Are you sure the topcap is not bottoming out on the steerer tube? As this would be one of the reasons why you can't apply enough preload to the bearings.
    Intense Socom
    Inbred
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Maybe my amount of 'play' is alright then - it is done up pretty tight (without affecting the steering). There is no audible knocking or anything, just a tiny movement between the top cup and stem which I can detect with my thumb if I hold the front brake and rock the bike.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    there should be NO movement. have you got all the headset parts fitted including the top wedge?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Everything is fitted as it should be. I've checked, twice.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    then something is not correct, either headset is worn or top cap is bottoming out on the steerer.

    headtype30.jpg

    headset parts.

    fork11.jpg

    stem to steerer clearance.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Hmm. There is definitely a couple of mm between the top of the stem and the steerer tube. How would I know that the top cap is bottoming out?
  • stick
    stick Posts: 2,910
    IF you have any spare headset spacers, sip it on under the stem and then put it all back together. If the rocking has gone, you either need to take a little bit off the top of your steerer or just leave the extra spacer in.
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Thanks stick - I'll give that a go.
  • MountainPete
    MountainPete Posts: 418
    Just tried it - I think that could be the problem. The headset appeared to tighten 'easer' than before. Rather than cutting the tube, I think I will order a 3mm spacer.

    Thanks for the help!

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